As Cubs President Theo Epstein announced the final transactions of spring training Wednesday, he calmly reminded reporters about the unpredictable course of a regular season.

"I know there's a ton of emphasis on the opening day roster," Epstein said after announcing outfielder Matt Szczur and infielder Tommy La Stella would be placed the 25-man roster. "But it's really one day out of 183. There will be lots of transactions."

That could start as soon as left-handed reliever Brian Duensing completes his minor-league rehabilitation assignment at Triple-A Iowa and will continue when the Cubs need a sixth starter — perhaps by the latter part of May.

Duensing pitched two scoreless innings Tuesday, but team officials believed the two weeks he missed earlier this month with back spasms put him behind schedule.

Unless another injury resurfaces, the Cubs could be forced to decide between Szczur, who is out of options, or La Stella, a left-handed hitter with two options left, to make room when Duensing returns.

The only pressing question for right now is the back condition of Addison Russell, who hasn't played since March 22. But manager Joe Maddon firmly believes his All-Star shortstop will be ready for Sunday night's opener at St. Louis.

"He's playing (Thursday)," Maddon said. "He's fine. If it was later in the year, he would be playing by now."

As of now, the Cubs are comfortable opening the season with a 12-man staff featuring Mike Montgomery as their lone left-handed reliever because they have three scheduled days off in the first 10 days of the regular season.

And they will have a deep bench with Szczur and La Stella as capable pinch-hitters.

"I'm excited to be there with them when we get our (World Series) rings and wear those gold jerseys (for the first two home games)," Szczur said. "It will be an interesting year, but it will be a great year as well."

Szczur was informed late Tuesday that he made the team, ending speculation about whether he would be traded although Epstein said he looked for ways to keep him and admitted he wasn't close to a deal.

"I was a little stressed to be honest with you," Szczur said. "But I try to have fun and take care of what I can on the field. It usually takes care of itself."

Matt Szczur on making Cubs' opening day roster on March 29, 2017. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)

Matt Szczur on making Cubs' opening day roster on March 29, 2017. (Mark Gonzales/Chicago Tribune)

A version of this article appeared in print on March 30, 2017, in the Sports section of the Chicago Tribune with the headline "Szczur, La Stella can breathe easy - Both make roster, but there still will be plenty of in-season decisions" —
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